Companies are struggling to fill engineering jobs in the US due to a shortage of candidates with suitable skills, new research has indicated.

According to a poll from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), recruiters are finding some job applicants lack the abilities needed for the role, such as communication and problem-solving skills.

Engineering, medical, executive and technical roles were highlighted as those most difficult to recruit for and over half (52 per cent) of respondents said their company was struggling, with manufacturers and high-tech firms having the most difficulty.

"American businesses are facing a paradox - high unemployment and the inability to fill key jobs in their organizations," observed vice-president for research at the SHRM Mark Schmit.

He added being unable to fill key positions has resulted in lower-level openings not being created, as the lack of skills is hampering firms' growth potential.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows there were 3.4 million job openings available on the final day of September 2011, up from 3.1 million in August.

Posted by Fiona Summers